"After the recent strikes on the Russian airfields of Soltsy and Shaikovka, the occupiers are left with 27 operational Tu-22M3 strategic bombers," stated Kirill Budanov, the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. He shared this information in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Budanov mentioned that a total of 436 enemy aircraft are participating in air operations against Ukraine.
"This is a significant number. But if you ask how many of them are Tu-22s, there would be very few. They had around 31 operational Tu-22s, now it's 29 – minus two more that are under repair, which makes it 27. So, there aren't many of them that are actually flying," said the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
He reported that as a result of operations in Soltsy and Shaikovka, two aircraft were completely destroyed, and two others were damaged.
Budanov noted that the damaged aircraft will be repaired over time.
The Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate stated that the strikes on Russian aircraft were carried out by "individuals who, from the territory of the Russian Federation, executed certain tasks.
The long-range bombers Tu-22M3 carry the Kh-22 missiles, which are Soviet supersonic air-launched anti-ship missiles with extended range. They were designed for targeting radio-contrast point targets (such as aircraft carriers) and group targets (carrier strike groups) using a special (nuclear) or high-explosive cumulated warhead. During the conflict, they have been involved in numerous acts of aggression, perpetrated by Russia, including missile strikes on a shopping center in Kremenchug, a residential building in Serhiivka, and a residential building in Dnipro. The warhead of the missile weighs 950 kg, with a target deviation of 600 meters or more. Likely missile defense systems capable of intercepting the Kh-22 include the Patriot and SAMP/T surface-to-air missile systems.
- On August 19th, a drone (or several drones) attacked a military airfield in Soltsy, located to the south of Saint Petersburg in the Novgorod Oblast. This airfield houses the Tu-22M3 strategic bombers.
- On August 21st, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate confirmed at least one aircraft was damaged at the Russian "Shaikovka" airfield as a result of a drone attack.
